Winnipeg Airport to Conduct Mock Emergency Today

Today’s exercise at the James Richardson International Airport was a huge collaboration on behalf of the Winnipeg Airports Authority operations employees and airport firehall, the City of Winnipeg, Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Services, Winnipeg Police Service, 17 Wing, and STARS. (HANDOUT)

If you see a gathering of emergency vehicles on the airfield at Winnipeg’s James Richardson International Airport today, it’s only a simulation.

The Winnipeg Airports Authority will be conducting an emergency exercise at an undisclosed time involving a simulated incident on the airfield with on-airport and off-airport emergency response vehicles and personnel participating.

The exercise is meant to enable staff to review and practice emergency response procedures should an actual emergency occur. The Winnipeg Police Service, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and 17 Wing Winnipeg will also participate in the exercise as part of Transport Canada Aerodrome Standards and Recommended Practices.

Details of the “incident” scenario are being withheld.

During the exercise, the airport will remain open with regular emergency response vehicles available to tend to any real incident.